SDCOE, Rady Children’s Hospital Partner on Youth Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents

In partnership with medical and mental health experts from the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady Children’s Health, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is once again offering a free webinar series for parents, guardians, and caregivers.

Each session provides tips, tools, and strategies to support children with common mental health challenges faced by youth today, including reducing digital stress, the developing brain, the impacts of trauma, and building resilience.

All sessions run from 6 to 6:45 p.m., followed by an optional, 15-minute question and answer session with the presenter. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. Spanish interpretation will be provided for all the sessions.  

Scheduled Webinars

Feb. 4 – Disconnect to Reconnect: Reclaiming Attention, Presence, and Peace at Home

Katherine Nguyen Williams, PhD

Screens are shaping how children think, feel, and connect—often in ways parents don’t realize. This session explores how technology impacts developing brains, mental health, and family communication, and offers practical tools to reduce digital stress, restore balance, and strengthen connection at home.

Register now
 

Feb. 18 – The Developing Brain: Understanding Childhood and Youth Through a Neuroscience Lens

Willard Connor, MD 

Why do children and teens react so differently at different ages? Using easy-to-understand neuroscience, this session helps parents make sense of brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior—and learn how connection and co-regulation support healthier responses at home and school.

Register now
 

Mar. 4 – How Trauma Impacts Children and Youth and What You Can Do About It

Melissa Bernstein, PhD 

Trauma and chronic stress can shape how children think, feel, and behave long after an event has passed. This session helps parents understand how adversity impacts the developing brain, recognize signs of distress, and respond with trauma-informed strategies that promote safety, resilience, and prevention.

Register now
 

Mar. 18 – The Power of Positive Experiences: Building Resilience at Home 

Jennifer Goins, M.Ed.

Grounded in the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework, this session highlights how everyday moments of connection, trust, and belonging can buffer stress and support lifelong mental health. Parents will learn simple, meaningful ways to build resilience and make home a place of healing and strength.

Register now
 

View and download the series flyer in English and Spanish. Find additional supports and resources for supporting youth and adults on the SDCOE Mental Health Supports webpage.